Today, Moldova State University (MSU) inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art facility equipped with innovative resources for students and researchers at the Faculty of Psychology, Education Sciences, Sociology, and Social Work. The establishment of the Social Research, Innovation, and Data Laboratory, named in honor of Romanian sociologist Dimitrie Gusti, was made possible with the support of UNFPA Moldova, UNDP Moldova, the Government of Japan, and the Government of Romania through the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova. This event coincides with Moldova’s Professional Sociologist Day, celebrated on November 14th each year to recognize the contributions of sociologists to the field, a date established in 2012.
The opening of the laboratory was attended by MSU Rector, Igor Șarov and partners, who highlighted their significant contributions to the university’s development and modernization.
“We thank our partners who have transformed Moldova’s educational system through their ongoing investments in MSU over the years. It is a joyful moment for us because the university continues to grow and develop. Last week, we opened a similar modern laboratory at the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences, and today, through joint efforts, we open a new laboratory within the Faculty of Psychology, Education Sciences, Sociology, and Social Work. We extend our gratitude to all our partners for their consistent support of the university. Only together can we achieve the country’s European path,” stated Igor Șarov, Rector of MSU.
This innovative laboratory is dedicated to training future sociologists and social workers in social and behavioral research, as well as statistical data management, to better understand demographic changes. In the laboratory, students and researchers will engage in practical analyses and studies, including data processing and analysis of the ,,Generations and Gender” Study, a research project conducted in Moldova for the second time, which coincides with the opening of this research center.
“This laboratory is an essential link that complements the academic component with practical elements, providing students and professors at Moldova State University with opportunities to apply theory to real-world domains through research, analysis, and concrete contributions to policy development. We aim to create a development framework for students, master’s students, and professors, offering a practical learning space and essential skill-building in data analysis—crucial tools for making informed and responsible decisions. The United Nations Population Fund supports this initiative not only by equipping the laboratory but also by developing the competencies of teaching and scientific staff, focusing on longitudinal data analysis and the use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence,” stated Natalia Plugaru, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Moldova.
Social data and research are essential for societal development, helping to understand the real needs of communities, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions. Thus, UNDP supports the Government of the Republic of Moldova in creating a data governance framework that offers standards and best practices on how data should be collected, processed, verified, and validated. This framework will ensure that collected data are accurate, reliable, secure, and compatible for national and international exchange, particularly in health, agriculture, social protection, and justice sectors.
The laboratory's facilities include spaces equipped for empirical research and data analysis, offering students opportunities to participate in thematic studies and interact with national and international specialists. Additionally, the laboratory platform will host presentations, workshops, and expert discussions, strengthening collaboration between the university, students, and the business sector. This platform will provide future sociologists and social workers with the necessary resources to develop skills and knowledge in fields critical to societal development.
The initiative to establish this laboratory belongs to the Department of Sociology and Social Work and was supported by the Government of Romania through the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova, which provided financial support for modernizing educational spaces. Additionally, MSU’s international partners, including UNFPA, UNDP, and the Government of Japan, have provided advanced equipment for quantitative and qualitative sociological research, including audio-video equipment and tablets for data collection.
The collection, analysis, and use of quality statistical data are the foundation of sustainable development and are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda. The UN entities in Moldova—UNFPA and UNDP—support data governance and strengthening national capacities in data collection and analysis, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova.
The “Generations and Gender” Study is the first and most complex longitudinal demographic study monitoring demographic changes in Moldova. This global study has been conducted in over 24 countries and is part of the international program coordinated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI). In Moldova, the GGS was conducted at the request of the Government of the Republic of Moldova in 2022, as part of the Global Generations and Gender Program (GGP) and is implemented by the United Nations Population Fund.
The study involved over 10,000 participants aged 15-79 from 153 localities in Moldova, excluding the Transnistrian region. As an international longitudinal study, it will be conducted in three waves, with participants revisited repeatedly to understand demographic changes over time. The second wave of research is currently underway.
